Barack and Michelle Obama told it like it is. Kamala Kamala'd. We were offered short bits with the primary aspirants who didn't make it -- this reminded me how I enjoyed the early stages of the primary when the herd was trying to show us visions that were new and attractive. And then Joe Biden promised decency ... and caring ... and order ... and competence. And since we're suffering from a complete lack of all those qualities, the speech was surprisingly effective.
But this young man's testimony broke through for me. He stutters. Joe Biden grew up with a stutter and according to 13-year old Brayden Harrington was able to assist and inspire him to speak publicly.
My father shuttered. Mostly, as an adult, he'd learned to avoid triggers. But every once in a while, a gap between his thoughts and his ability to utter them would seem to entrap him. All that would come out of him at those moments were sounds without form. Then he'd get hold and speak what felt a flattened version of what he meant to say.
I think concern that his disability might take hold made him the frequently remote man he was.
I like the idea of a president whose life is a support to people with this challenge. It's not everything, but it is something.
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